Controversy warning! Actress and mom-of-one Jessica Biel joined forces with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an environmental activist, at the recent California State Assembly to lobby against a vaccination bill, Now, the internet has branded Jessica Biel an anti-vaxxer.
The California state bill, called SB 276, would limit medical exemptions from vaccines without approval from a state public health officer. Anti-vaxx advocates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have been outspoken about how strongly they oppose this bill, citing that it would reduce medical exemptions by nearly 40 percent.
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Those who are pro-vaccination pushed back, saying that the bill will actually have minimal impact on those with valid reasons for exemption. The bill is co-sponsored by the California Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, California.
The Limetown star posted her mission on Instagram. “This week I went to Sacramento to talk to legislators in California about a proposed bill,” Jessica begins her caption, which was posted after the initial backlash began. “I am not against vaccinations — I support children getting vaccinations and I also support families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians. My concern with #SB276 is solely regarding medical exemptions. My dearest friends have a child with a medical condition that warrants an exemption from vaccinations, and should this bill pass, it would greatly affect their family’s ability to care for their child in this state.”
“That’s why I spoke to legislators and argued against this bill,” Jessica continues. “Not because I don’t believe in vaccinations, but because I believe in giving doctors and the families they treat the ability to decide what’s best for their patients and the ability to provide that treatment. I encourage everyone to read more on this issue and to learn about the intricacies of #SB276. Thank you to everyone who met with me this week to engage in this important discussion!”
Despite Jessica’s protestations that she is not an anti-vaxxer, her involvement with this bill has angered many on the internet. A reporter for Jezebel even says that Jessica refused the prescribed vaccination schedule for her own son, four-year-old Silas, whom she shares with husband Justin Timberlake.
Jessica’s Twitter, where she is promoting her new Facebook Watch show Limetown, is also inundated with comments from critics:
Well…
One thing we can all agree is how adorable she and Justin Timberlake are, right?
What do you think? Is Jessica Biel an anti-vaxxer? Was her involvement taken out of context?